iWork4Him PowerThought

The wonder-woman complex. It's an unrealistic belief that we as women need to be everything to everybody. Where did that come from? And what's it doing to us? What if instead of trying to BE wonder-woman, we commit to be who God created us to be. .... To get to know our spiritual gifts, talents, strengths, and then went in search of God's heart, to find our true calling? .... What if every woman of faith lived and worked their calling? How much different would our world, our nation, our state, our city, our community, our home, our workplace be? So how about you? Are you tired of being something other than what God created you to be? Visit us online to find resources to change your wonder-woman complex into your true calling.

Darren Shearer, founder of High Bridge Media said recently: A disciple making company disciples the people in it, the industry it's in, and even the community around it. WOW, now that is a tall order. It sounds IMPOSSIBLE. But God….If God is truly behind your company, if He is IN your company, than that statement is supernaturally possible. So how about you? Is your company making disciples of the people in it? Is it making disciples in your industry? Is it making disciples in the community in which your company lives? .... Jesus said to his disciples "Humanly speaking, it is impossible. But with God everything is possible." We challenge you today, to RE-THINK , and RE-COMMIT your company, and it's reason for existence, to glorify God in making disciples with every person it touches.

Are you dreading Monday? Do you start to lose your joy come Sunday evening? .... What if instead of dreading Monday, you LOOKED FORWARD TO IT? What if instead of moaning about Monday, you prayed away your dread, and replaced it with thanks, and joy and intention? .... To pray that come Monday morning, you would FEEL GOD in your work, as you work. That your work would glorify God, that you would be the best Ambassador for God your workplace has ever seen? .... So how about you? Are you ready to be used by God in your work? To see Monday as a tremendous opportunity, to enjoy your work and to glorify God, and maybe even give your co-workers a glimpse of our Heavenly Father.

When's the last time you really saw your co-workers? .... Saw them as real three-dimensional people? Not just a co-worker, workplace mate or just an employee? When's the last time you remembered, that they're a son or daughter of God? .... That they were created, like you, by God, for a purpose. That they are worthy. That they have a life, and that life is just as important as yours. That they're on a journey, their own journey, just like we all are. .... So how about you? We invite you today, to put on God's view of each person you work with, and to see Christ in each of them. And then watch the supernatural transform your work relationships and your workplace.

For in six days the Lord made the heavens, the earth, the sea, and everything in them; but on the seventh day he rested. That is why the Lord blessed the Sabbath day and set it apart as holy. So how about you? Are you resting from your work? Are you taking a day off every week and keeping it holy? Are you honoring God with your business and keeping the Sabbath, not only for yourself, but for your employees and customers? Two of the giants in retail, Hobby Lobby and Chick-Fil-A are closed on Sunday, and their profits are up! The world says "you're crazy to close on Sunday", but God says differently. If you're working on Sunday, or asking your employees to, we challenge you to go to the Lord in prayer and ask Him "How can I honor you by keeping the Sabbath holy?"

Are you feeling as though you're just going to work on auto-pilot? That you can do your work now, with your eyes closed, with one arm tied behind your back? When's the last time you asked God to stretch YOU, in your work? Comfort is not a place Christ-followers should be camping out in. .... So how about you? Are you brave enough, to ask "Lord, will you stretch me today? Will you put me to better use, in the place where you would have me be? Will you bless me today with the work you have chosen for me, at this time in my life? .... Hebrews 11:6: And it is impossible to please God without faith. Anyone who wants to come to him must believe that God exists and that he rewards those who sincerely seek him.

Are you a leader in your organization? If so, what are you doing to care for your team members? Your employees? Are you ignoring the big stresses in their lives? If you are, it could be costing you in a big way. For example: The divorce of a $60,000 a year employee will cost $86,000 in lost productivity. There are legal, low cost remedies to helping your employees get the help they need to calm the sometimes raging seas of their lives. So how about YOU? Are you turning a blind eye to the pain in your workplace? Wake up! Look and listen, and seek to put benefits and programs in place that make employees lives easier. And commit today, to start being the good shepherd. The one who sacrifices his life for the sheep. For more about iWork4Him and our vision to transform the workplace of every Christian into a mission field, go to iWork4Him.com That's iWork the number 4 Him dot com

At work, sometimes we walk away from a meeting or conversation and think to ourselves "Boy, that person sure needs some fixing." But, in reality, if we took a moment, and thought more carefully about it, maybe even looked a little deeper, we may just see what needs to be fixed is US, not them. Leaders know this. They know that the organization is a reflection of WHO they are and WHO they are being. A leader knows that before their "team needs fixing", THEY need fixing first. So how about YOU? Are you a leader that leads knowing they need to fix themselves first? Or are you the leader that looks at all the fixing everyone else needs to do? We challenge you today, if you have a thought about someone else, to first look at yourself, and see what needs to change.

Do you want to see your workplace as a place to live out your faith? Your work is a place where you finally get that chance to be involved in fulltime ministry. Then do these things. 1st Start praying for those you work around, by name every day. 2nd look for ways to serve those same people over and above what your job requires you to do. 3rd look for ways to build a friendship with those you work with, outside of work, where real relationships can develop. 4th Look for ways to pray with people when you see them having a rough day. And 5th, all along be a person of excellence, in your work. Do these things and you will see your workplace transformed by God right before your eyes. We call this the iWork4Him Nation Covenant.

Some things in life are more challenging than others. Like finances. And even more challenging: How do we glorify God with our finances? If you think you've mastered your finances, there's a next step, a better way to glorify God with them. To transform the money we make from working for the Lord, and seeing that it is invested in Kingdom building. It's called Biblically Responsible Investing and it's transforming the way Christians look at the money they invest, and where they invest it. So how about you and your finances? .... Are you willing to look at every dollar and steward it even more for God's Kingdom? If you are, we invite you to pray about it, and go to our website for next steps on how to transform your finances into the ultimate Kingdom resource.

I wonder how much of our life is lived from a place of "taking". Not consciously, but just getting up and living our life, as we go to work and just delve in. I've found my unconscious self is pretty selfish. If I don't pray first, submit in obedience, my day, my hands, my mouth, eyes and ears, to serve all those I come in contact with, I'll just spend all day at work taking what I need and want. .... So how about you? Are you living your life and work day taking? .... We challenge you today, to stop unconsciously working, and living as a taker. But to set up your day from a place of "How can I be a giver today? How can I contribute to everyone I come in contact with?"

Is God building another testimony for you, through your workplace? Often, hard times come in our work, and we're called to respond as a Christ-follower. Not react with fear, self-pity, anger, resentment or push-back. But with a keen sense and trust that God is sovereign in our work. That He may have brought something to an end, for His Glory, not our punishment. So how about YOU? .... Are YOU going through a hard time at work? And if you are, how are you responding? We recommend first taking it to prayer, and asking the Lord what He wants you to know about the situation, how you can grow from it, and what does he want you to do next, for His glory? Then take some time and pray for those you work alongside for the tough time they are going through too

How do you measure your work success? We're referring to eternal success in your work. One way is to ask yourself: Is my workplace better off because of having me work there? Have I changed it for the better? Would my co-workers say that I am a blessing to work with? A roofing business owner in Florida told us he takes an inventory every year, looks back at the year to see what benefit or good he has added: to his customers, his employees, his community and his family. So how about you? WE invite YOU to incorporate this "taking inventory" process by adding it onto your calendar once a month. David Jeremiah said, "If we don't take inventory every once in a while, and give thanks to God for the great things He has done for us, we get totally out of perspective." Make sure you take time to ask the question of yourself today "IS my workplace blessed because I work there "

Jon Dengler, a ministering bicycle business owner in Tampa, said this about his business and its ministry: By doing our work, we're rehearsing a reality that we're dreaming of. We're trying to usher in the coming Kingdom. Phenomenal. He is using all of his gifts… daily… and working as if his current work is representing the Kingdom. He is re-creating the Kingdom today, in his city, in all he does as he works on bikes. As he teaches others to fix bikes. As he gives them away. As he develops relationship with each person he comes in contact with. All those things john does restores a piece of the Kingdom on earth. So how about YOU? Are you ushering in the coming Kingdom with your work? With every person you meet? We invite you tomorrow morning, to pray and commit that your work would be ushering in the coming Kingdom

Do you want God to unlock His purpose for you in your work? As you execute the first 4 steps of the iWork4Him Nation Covenant: Praying for, serving, befriending, and praying with others, remember your work behavior is important. The final step of the iWork4Him Nation Covenant is to be someone of excellence in your work. Be the best and brightest example of a worker in your workplace position. Excellence makes your behavior believable and your faith real. Excellence gives you a platform for sharing your faith. As a Jesus Follower, everything about us should be changing, and everyone around you should be benefiting from your faith, whether they believe in Jesus yet, or not. Colossians 3:23 says, "23 Whatever you do, work at it with all your heart, as working for the Lord, not for human masters."

Does God care for the people you work with? Of course, He does. In step 4 of the iWork4Him Nation Covenant, look for opportunities to pray with others. When you continually work alongside the same people, you know their typical manners and facial expressions. When you notice someone having an off day, ask them, "How are you doing?" when they say "I'm Fine," keep asking, " No really, how are you doing? I noticed you looked a little down today" then wait and be QUIET. When they have shared what is on their heart, ask, "Can I pray with you about that, right now?" I have never had someone say "No" when I followed these steps. Matthew 18:20 says, "For where two or three gather together as my followers, I am there among them." When you pray, you are opening the door for them to meet your savior.

Do you want to see your workplace as a mission field? In step 3 of the iWork4Him Nation Covenant, we encourage you to befriend your co-workers or employees outside of the office. Why? Our work relationships are work focused and can be shallow. When you build friendships on your own turf, outside of work, real relationships develop. When you let someone into your world, it breaks down walls. Breaking down walls builds trust. Eventually, they will trust you when you share your Jesus story, the work He has done in your life. Ecclesiastes 4:9-10 says, "Two people are better off than one, for they can help each other succeed. 10 If one person falls, the other can reach out and help. But someone who falls alone is in real trouble"….Be a real friend to someone today.

Do you want to see your workplace transformed and have God unlock His purpose for you in your work? Step two of the iWork4Him Nation Covenant helps transform your workplace mindset into a mission-focused workplace ministry mindset. Start looking for ways to serve your co-workers, bosses, and/or employees outside your job requirements. Why? Anyone can do a job that meets expectations, but how many people help others meet or exceed expectations? When you go out of the way to help others at work with a stressful project or a mundane responsibility, you open up a door of ministry opportunity. Galatians 5:13-14 says For you have been called to live in freedom… use your freedom to serve one another in love. 14 For the whole law can be summed up in this one command: "Love your neighbor as yourself."

Do you want to see your workplace transformed and have God unlock His purpose for you in your work? I thought so. Step one of the iWork4Him Nation Covenant is the most powerful step you can take at work to transform your workplace and your heart. Prayer - Start praying for those you work alongside every day. Pray for your co-workers, bosses, and employees by name. You can even pray for their spouses and kids. After you have done this for a few months, have a conversation like this "Hey, I have been praying for you, is there anything I can pray about specifically?" 1 Timothy 2:1 says, "I urge you, first of all, to pray for all people. Ask God to help them; intercede on their behalf and give thanks for them. "Start Praying today and watch the transformation begin.

Kathy Branzell, President of the National Day of Prayer says: there's the idea that when I work, I work, but when I pray, God works. So how about YOU? Are you working, when you should be praying? Are you starting work first, before you pray? Are you taking God's place for the results by over-working? There's a beautiful balance we can obtain between work and prayer. We can choose to pray first, then work. And then pray, staying in constant contact with the Lord to guide and direct our work, vs. all that extra-efforting stuff. Psalm 127 says: It is useless for you to work so hard from early morning until late at night, anxiously working for food to eat; for God gives rest to his loved ones." We challenge you today, to incorporate prayer INTO your work, and trust God for the results and experience a little of His rest

Are there ROCKS in YOUR schedule? ROCKS are IMMOVABLE commitments. Those priorities that are unchangeable. As a working Christ-follower, what are some of YOUR ROCKS? Here are some of mine: Time with the Lord. Family commitments. And anything I have given my word to, to be there. Is WORK one of YOUR ROCKS? If it is, maybe it's time to look at that rock, and decrease its size, or the amount of space it's taking on your calendar. Don't' let Luke 20:18 define how you live and manage your life. "Everyone who stumbles over that stone will be broken to pieces, and it will crush anyone it falls on." So how about YOU? Is work a stone YOU'RE stumbling over? How about crushing that rock and use it to make a path to more time with family?

We all have a calling, have you heard this before? Some of us get called to the pulpit and some to the foreign mission field but most of us get called to our cubicles, construction sites, care facilities or whatever your job site may be. Your Workplace, It's your mission field and in that mission field, you and me, we may be the only Jesus our co-workers, employees and bosses may ever meet. That Job that you hold and the work that you do, and the people that you work with, none of that is by chance. The people that you work with need to meet Jesus and you may be their only chance. So, as you contemplate the value of your work today, realize this…You don't need to quit your job in order to go into fulltime ministry. You are already in fulltime ministry, right there where you work.

Had a chance to interview Dr. Dan Middlebrooks, a chaplain to first responders. He shared this: What you hold onto is either going to help you or harm you. It's either going to be a tombstone or a steppingstone, the choice is yours. Wow. .... And that got me thinking. Perhaps I'm holding onto something, something that is affecting my work. Something that is affecting my work relationships. Or my work environment. Ecclesiastes 3:6 exhorts us: a time to search and a time to give up, a time to keep and a time to throw away… So how about you? what are you hanging on to? Are you willing to take that something you're hanging on to, to the foot of the cross…right now? Pray that the Lord would show you how to take what your holding and make it a steppingstone

Decision making. We do it hundreds of times a day. What if, as Dr. Jim Harris advises us, we drop our decision making 18 inches from our head, down to our spirit? .... What if, instead of thinking about the decision, we checked in with the Holy Spirit and asked what He wants us to do? In that exact moment? .... Being spirit-led involves being connected to the Holy Spirit, and seeking His answer first, as our chief advisor. .... Our head is subject to our spirit. NOT the other way around. Romans 8:14 says For all who are led by the Spirit of God are children of God. So how about you? Are you working as a child of God? With the wisdom and power and direction of the Holy Spirit? We challenge you to start and live your workday tomorrow, being LED all day in every way by the Holy Spirit.

As Christians everything about us should be changing. When we were born again, it wasn't just a one-time event. We are to be changing daily…remember the word "sanctified"? We are being "set apart" to be dedicated to God's use. And to that end, we're to be changing and growing more Christ-like every day, to be conformed to His image. So how about you? Would those you work with say you're a better co-worker today than you were 6 months ago? Would your manager say you're a better team member today than you were last month? Would your CEO say you're a better executive this year than you were last year? 2 Timothy reminds us: If you keep yourself pure, you will be a special utensil for honorable use. Your life will be clean, and you will be ready for the Master to use you for every good work. We challenge you to pray to be conformed and changed today so that someone may notice and ask about it tomorrow

Rebekah King, founder and director of Hope Works, a southside Chicago non-profit, said: To be invested in a community is to know its people and to know their needs. And that got me thinking, to grow my "community" which is my team, within my company, does that same idea apply? Do I need to know my people and know their needs to invest in them? Absolutely - YES! So how about YOU? How well do YOU know YOUR team members? How well do you know THEIR needs? How much are YOU invested in YOUR work community? Mother Teresa said: "Prayer in action is love, and love in action is service. Try to give unconditionally whatever a person needs in the moment. The point is to do something, however small, and show you care through your actions by giving your time." Take some time today and figure out the best way to invest in your community.

Identity. It's the fact of being who or what a person is. As Christ followers, our identity is clear: We are sons and daughters of God, and ambassadors of Christ. The question is, are you working from that identity? .... How do you do that exactly? .... There are many books and courses today, that can lead you through the process of knowing exactly HOW God wired you, your giftings, your talents, and strengths, and then guiding you through the process of asking God to show you the calling He has designed for YOU. Tim Keller says: The Bible says that our real problem is that every one of us is building our identity on something besides Jesus. So how about you? What are you building YOUR identity on? And what identity are you working FROM? You can check out Identity and Destiny dot com to find out more about who God designed you to be and what He designed you to be doing

Can a company thrive by saying NO? .... YES! John DeAngelis, CEO of a Florida construction company says: Sometimes, we found the most profitable job is the one we DON'T do. Here's what he means. They have seven criteria for taking on a new project. If it doesn't meet all the criteria, they don't take it on. It's as simple as that. The criteria are based on their values, employee life balance, and honoring God. So how about you? Do YOU take on projects that are out of alignment with your company's values or culture? Do you say yes to every project? Proverbs 16:9 advises: We can make our plans, but the Lord determines our steps. We challenge YOU TODAY, to define God-honoring criteria to help you to say YES to the right projects and NO to the wrong ones. Then see how this move impacts your profitability

Ahhh rebellion. Its' the sickness of youth but perhaps, there's still some rebellion in our hearts as adults. Is there some ONE or some THING that you're rebelling against at work?...You may be doing it unknowingly… "under the table"…undermining, backbiting, using sarcasm or pushing against another's ideas or leadership in subtle ways. Romans 13:1 and 2 is clear: Everyone must submit to governing authorities. For all authority comes from God, and those in positions of authority have been placed there by God. 2 So anyone who rebels against authority is rebelling against what God has instituted, and they will be punished. So how about you? Won't you commit to glorify God, by submitting to YOUR authorities at work?

After a conversation with Dr. Emerson Eggerichs, of Love & Respect, I'm rethinking the way I go about being a peace-keeper. Here's what he said: Sometimes, as peace keepers we hedge on the truth, or just lie, to keep the peace. .... So let's apply that to our workplace. Are you unknowingly hedging on speaking the truth in work situations, to keep the peace? How can you know? You'll probably have a niggling in your spirit, an unsettledness. So what can we do to know when to speak the truth: We can check in with the Holy Spirit in the moment, before conversing, and pray for wisdom for how and when to speak. Keeping the peace may not be what best serves the organization. But speaking the truth is. So how about you?

Mutual respect. It's when two people show respect for each other. .... Respect is defined as the process of honoring someone by exhibiting care, concern, or consideration for their needs or feelings. This should be a HALLMARK of us as Christ followers. And even more apparent at work, with our colleagues. To respect them as co-laborers AND as fellow sons and daughters of God. .... Author Dina Dwyer-Owens says it's been her experience that When we hold ourselves accountable and show mutual respect to others, it's amazing the respect that comes back. So how about you? Are you living mutual respect in your work today?

One day Christ will come back and restore ALL things. For now, Dr. Amy Sherman tells us: A successful marriage of faith and vocation has the capacity to bring a foretaste of God's Kingdom to earth. .... She says that our WORK is INSTRUMENTAL to God's mission in the world, and it's not an accident. .... Each of us, doing our thing – our work in our workplace, with our unique giftings. And if we are doing it for God's glory, with joy and peace and excellence, it brings a taste of heaven into our workplace. .... That's God's design and plan for our work. .... So how about you? Are you bringing a Kingdom foretaste into your work and workplace every day?

Rick Betenbough says this of his company Betenbough Homes: Our business exists to reveal God and His Kingdom to everyone who comes near. .... .... What a perfect summation of what the faith and work movement is all about. So how about YOU? Can you say this as the leader in your workplace? That you exist to reveal God and His Kingdom to everyone who comes near? Can you say that about your team at work? That your team exists to reveal God and His Kingdom to everyone who comes near to me? .... Betenbough says it took TEN YEARS for God to transform them, their leadership and board to rebuild their business into a KINGDOM business. What will you do today, to start on the journey to transform YOUR ORGANIZATION?

As we start our work week, let's remind ourselves of our calling to our work and God's plan for our work. Declare this now as you head to work today, walk to your office, or sit down to do your devotions. … "My workplace is my mission field, a place of full-time ministry… My workplace ministry manual is my Bible. …My calling to my workplace is not a second-class calling…. I dedicate my workplace as a mission field for God, and because of Jesus in my life, I am committed to celebrating the work that God gave me….AMEN"

Do you want God to unlock His purpose for you in your work? As you execute the first 4 steps of the iWork4Him Nation Covenant: Praying for, serving, befriending, and praying with others, remember your work behavior is important. The final step of the iWork4Him Nation Covenant is to be someone of excellence in your work. Be the best and brightest example of a worker in your workplace position. Excellence makes your behavior believable and your faith real. Excellence gives you a platform for sharing your faith. As a Jesus Follower, everything about us should be changing, and everyone around you should be benefiting from your faith, whether they believe in Jesus yet, or not. Colossians 3:23 says, "23 Whatever you do, work at it with all your heart, as working for the Lord, not for human masters."

Does God care for the people you work with? Of course, He does. In step 4 of the iWork4Him Nation Covenant, look for opportunities to pray with others. When you continually work alongside the same people, you know their typical manners and facial expressions. When you notice someone having an off day, ask them, "How are you doing?" when they say "I'm Fine," keep asking, " No really, how are you doing? I noticed you looked a little down today" then wait and be QUIET. When they have shared what is on their heart, ask, "Can I pray with you about that, right now?" I have never had someone say "No" when I followed these steps. Matthew 18:20 says, "For where two or three gather together as my followers, I am there among them." When you pray, you are opening the door for them to meet your savior.

Do you want to see your workplace as a mission field? In step 3 of the iWork4Him Nation Covenant, we encourage you to befriend your co-workers or employees outside of the office. Why? Our work relationships are work focused and can be shallow. When you build friendships on your own turf, outside of work, real relationships develop. When you let someone into your world, it breaks down walls. Breaking down walls builds trust. Eventually, they will trust you when you share your Jesus story, the work He has done in your life. Ecclesiastes 4:9-10 says, "Two people are better off than one, for they can help each other succeed. 10 If one person falls, the other can reach out and help. But someone who falls alone is in real trouble"….Be a real friend to someone today.

Do you want to see your workplace transformed and have God unlock His purpose for you in your work? Step two of the iWork4Him Nation Covenant helps transform your workplace mindset into a mission-focused workplace ministry mindset. Start looking for ways to serve your co-workers, bosses, and/or employees outside your job requirements. Why? Anyone can do a job that meets expectations, but how many people help others meet or exceed expectations? When you go out of the way to help others at work with a stressful project or a mundane responsibility, you open up a door of ministry opportunity. Galatians 5:13-14 says For you have been called to live in freedom… use your freedom to serve one another in love. 14 For the whole law can be summed up in this one command: "Love your neighbor as yourself."

Do you want to see your workplace transformed and have God unlock His purpose for you in your work? I thought so. Step one of the iWork4Him Nation Covenant is the most powerful step you can take at work to transform your workplace and your heart. Prayer - Start praying for those you work alongside every day. Pray for your co-workers, bosses, and employees by name. You can even pray for their spouses and kids. After you have done this for a few months, have a conversation like this "Hey, I have been praying for you, is there anything I can pray about specifically?" 1 Timothy 2:1 says, "I urge you, first of all, to pray for all people. Ask God to help them; intercede on their behalf and give thanks for them". Start Praying today and watch the transformation begin.

There's a war going on. Carmen LaBerge recently said: The current culture war is actually being waged in all of our hearts and minds. Until all of us Christ followers allow our hearts and minds to be transformed, we cannot represent Christ in today's culture. That means in all conversations, all day long at work, we're to bring Christ, as His ambassador, into our daily interactions. So how about you? .... Are you bringing a transformed heart and mind into YOUR work every day? Is the source of the words coming out of your mouth a renewed heart? Bringing God's perspective to ALL conversations, whatever the topic? Romans 12:2 Don't copy the behavior and customs of this world, but let God transform you into a new person by changing the way you think

Heard this the other day: The principles never change, but the methods always do. What a solid management philosophy this makes for us Christ followers. Principles are defined as: fundamental truths that serve as the foundation for a system of beliefs. Our biblical core beliefs are the basis of who we are and what we do. And that applies to how we work, lead and manage. But the methods, those change, based on the circumstances, and the people involved. So we need to be flexible, not rigid. Deeply rooted, but like the branches of a tree, sway with the wind. So how about you? Are your principles well rooted but flexible enough for change?

Is God leading your work? How do you get the point where you can say YES, He is. Here're a couple of ideas to get you started. First, read a book or listen to faith at work podcasts that introduce you to the concept of working for the Lord. Second, pray and ask God to show you how and where He is at work in your work today. Three, take a faith at work devotional and put it on your desk. Before you turn on your PC, read the devotional and pray that God lead you in your work. This might take some consistent practice, like changing a habit, to shift your mindset. So how about you? Colossians 3:23 is a GREAT verse to put on your desk, so it reminds you WHO you work for: 23 Work willingly at whatever you do, as though you were working for the Lord rather than for people

If you are a local church pastor then you have a pretty tough work environment. You work all week but you only hear from your boss on Sunday. So how do you deal with the stress of your work? I think we all have stress but very few jobs have the stress of the pastor in the pulpit with the 400 of us bosses in the pews every Sunday. I think we deal with the stress, the way we deal with everything else having to do with work. We come to the realization that we work for God ultimately and He is the boss we are trying to impress. IF that is our focus, then our work is bound to be excellent. In case you haven't done this lately, let your pastor know how much you appreciate them this week. How about you? does your work reflect the fact that your ultimate boss is God?

Maybe, like me, you're a DO-ER. Another self-confessed DO-ER author Alan Fadling had this to say about his previous MIS-BELIEF: I used to believe that: If I AM what I DO, then if I DO MORE, than I AM MORE. That shines a HUGE light on a widely-held MIS-belief. That is NOT who we are as a Christ follower. Our identity comes from the Lord, not from what we do. Thinking that way is known as a "works mentality". Paul writes about it in Ephesians: 8 For it is by grace you have been saved, through faith—and this is not from yourselves, it is the gift of God— 9 not by works, so that no one can boast. .... How about YOU? Are you working with Jesus, and resting in Him as the source for your identity and work?

What if you could experience God in your work? We mean, WHILE you do your work. In speaking with pastor and author John Van Sloten the other day, he said when we feel delight in doing our job in the moment, that IS God. When we are creating, doing work that brings us joy with our unique giftedness, we are experiencing God. How about you? What if you prayed today, and asked God to attune you to Him in your work? To pray that you would experience Him and His delight as you ENJOY YOUR work, in doing it with excellence. Isn't this what we were created for? .... The Westminster Catechism says it best: Man's chief end is to glorify God and enjoy Him forever

In Christianity, disciple means a dedicated follower of Jesus. ... A disciple in the ancient biblical world actively imitated both the life and teaching of the master. So how about you? Are you ACTIVELY imitating the LIFE and the TEACHING of Christ? Have you been living this out in one area of your life and not the others? .... What about your workplace? Have you ever considered your workplace can be where you actively not only imitate but live out the teachings of our master? .... Have you ever prayed for God to use you to make disciples in YOUR Workplace? .... Matthew 28:19 Therefore, go and make disciples of all the nations,[a] baptizing them in the name of the Father and the Son and the Holy Spirit.

Learned something new just recently from a friend who runs an organization in Clearwater, Florida. They practice "redemptive hiring." It's the practice of hiring someone, when God points them out and moves them to, for the purpose of mentoring them, and bringing them closer to God. Then God does the redeeming work. How COOL IS THAT? .... Using your business to change someone's life. To minister to people through hiring. .... That's why they call their business a BIZNISTRY (a business as ministry). A Term coined by At Work On Purpose. .... So how about you? .... Are YOU open to listening to God's voice in your work and hiring practices? For Him to use YOU, to change people's lives?

The peace that is beyond all understanding. Do you have it? Is it flowing out of you? .... Do you look different? .... Act differently? .... Think differently than the others around you? .... A Christ-follower is the one at work people wonder about. They wonder HOW can they be so calm? And they are attracted to this person because of it. Why? Because they exude an inexplicable peace. So how about you? Are you the peaceful person in YOUR workplace? .... And if not, why not? .... Philippians 4:7 And the peace of God, which transcends all understanding, will guard your hearts and your minds in Christ Jesus

Are you an underground evangelist? Our friends at Helping Hands Charitable are. This is how they see it: It's not what we speak, it's what we do. If you work in a company that does not allow or recognize Christianity, there IS something you can do. You can bring Christ into your workplace in a winsome and engaging way. HOW? By how you ACT. Our actions speak louder than our words anyway, so why not be intentional with WHO we're being at work? .... So how about YOU? .... If your co-workers were asked, would that say they KNOW YOU are a Christian? Not because YOU told them, but because it's so apparent by your actions?

Conflict. It's a reality. It's not a question of IF, it's a question of WHEN. Conflict doesn't have to be bad. It actually has some positive things going for it: it causes us to grow, to find common ground, to open up dialogue, to find a win-win solution, and stretches us and our creativity, to think outside the box. .... So how about you? How well versed are YOU in conflict resolution? .... How about BIBLICAL conflict resolution? .... When's the last time you learned a new way to deal with conflict? .... We challenge YOU today, to go learn a new trick or two, to master conflict.